Sponsors (15)
The bill helps people experiencing homelessness keep their pets and access supportive services and veterinary care through targeted federal grants, but does so with modest funding, added administrative requirements, and exclusions that may limit provider capacity and leave many in need unserved.
People experiencing homelessness who have pets (including individuals and families) can access interim and permanent housing that allows them to keep their companion animals.
Residents in these programs gain required on-site supportive services (mental health, employment, substance use disorder, wellness), increasing access to wraparound supports.
The bill provides federal funding ($5 million per year, FY2026–FY2030) to create and sustain housing programs for people experiencing homelessness with pets, enabling program start-up and continuity.
Funding is limited and may not meet demand, leaving many pet-owning people experiencing homelessness unserved.
The program increases federal spending by about $25 million over five years, imposing costs to taxpayers and potential opportunity costs for other priorities.
Excluding animal welfare organizations from grant eligibility could limit direct provider capacity and force additional partnerships or administrative arrangements.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a competitive USDA grant program (with HUD consultation) to fund pet-friendly housing, pet care, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness; $5M/year authorized for FY2026–2030.
Introduced August 8, 2025 by Jason Crow · Last progress August 8, 2025
Creates a competitive federal grant program run by USDA (in consultation with HUD) to help local governments, nonprofits, and shelter providers build, retrofit, or operate housing that allows people experiencing homelessness to live with pets. Grants may pay for construction and renovation, pet-related operating costs, staff/volunteer training in pet care, basic veterinary services, behavioral support for animals, and on-site supportive human services; authorized funding is $5 million per year for FY2026–FY2030.